Communications module housing

ABSTRACT

A communications module housing includes an enclosure defining an opening, and a tray movably positioned within the enclosure. The tray includes a base, and a front rail positioned on the base, the front rail including a plurality of first mounts. The tray further includes a platform positioned on the base, the platform including a plurality of second mounts. The tray further includes a rear rail positioned on the base, the rear rail including a plurality of third mounts. The first and second mounts correspond to mounting features of the first communications modules and the third mounts correspond to mounting features of the second communications modules.

FIELD

The present disclosure related generally to communications modulehousings, and more particularly to communications module housings whichinclude mounting apparatus for mounting multiple different types ofcommunications modules.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic management systems provide termination and service accesspoints for fiber optic circuits. Where a large number of fiber opticcables are to be connected, connections are typically made in fiberdistribution frames. The frames can be comprised of multiple equipmentracks that form bays for containing fiber optic management components,such as splice boxes and communications modules such as cassettes,filters, etc. In many cases, housings are provided for accommodatingsuch components.

Many known housings include defined mounting locations for accommodatingspecific types of communications modules have specific configurationsand mounting features. In other words, a defined area within acommunications module may be tailored to accommodate one specific typeof communications module. Alternative module types may not be mountablein such defined area. This can be disadvantageous if multiple differenttypes of communications modules may be necessary. Large housings havingmultiple different tailored areas may be required, or multiple differenthousings may be required.

Accordingly, improved communications module housings for accommodatingcommunications modules are desired in the art. In particular, improvedcommunications modules which can accommodate and mount therein multipledifferent types of communications modules in a relatively compact spacewould be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a communications module housing isprovided. The housing accommodates first and second communicationsmodules each including mounting features. The housing includes anenclosure defining an opening, and a tray movably positioned within theenclosure. The tray includes a base, and a front rail positioned on thebase, the front rail including a plurality of first mounts. The trayfurther includes a platform positioned on the base, the platformincluding a plurality of second mounts. The tray further includes a rearrail positioned on the base, the rear rail including a plurality ofthird mounts. The tray further includes a cable tie-off bracketpositioned on the base, the cable tie-off bracket rotatable relative tothe base between a first stored position and a second extended position.

In accordance with one embodiment, a communications module housing isprovided. The housing accommodates first and second communicationsmodules each including mounting features. The communications modulehousing defines a vertical axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis.The housing includes an enclosure defining an opening. The enclosureincludes a top wall and a bottom wall spaced apart along the verticalaxis, a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart along thelateral axis, and a rear wall spaced apart from the opening along thetransverse axis. The housing further includes a tray positioned withinthe enclosure and movable along the transverse axis. The tray includes abase, the base including a first panel and a second panel, the secondpanel rotatable relative to the first panel. The tray further includes afront rail positioned on the base, the front rail including a pluralityof first mounts. The tray further includes a platform positioned on thebase, the platform including a plurality of second mounts. The trayfurther includes a rear rail positioned on the base, the rear railincluding a plurality of third mounts. The tray further includes a cabletie-off bracket positioned on the base, the cable tie-off bracketrotatable relative to the base between a first stored position and asecond extended position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a communications module housing,with cable-tie off brackets in second extended positions, in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the communications module housingof FIG. 2 with a housing door opened and a tray moved into a positionpartially exterior to the housing;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a tray for a communications modulehousing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a tray for a communications modulehousing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a tray for a communications modulehousing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a communications module housing,with cable-tie off brackets in first stored positions, in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cable tie-off bracket positionedon a tray base in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a communications module housing mountedto an equipment rack in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of various communications modules for use with acommunications module housing in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 9, the present disclosure is generallydirected to communications modules housings 10. A housing 10 inaccordance with the present disclosure advantageously includes improvedfeatures for accommodating various different designs of communicationsmodules 100 having different mounting features. In exemplaryembodiments, this allows multiple different types of communicationsmodules 100 to be selectively positioned in the same location within thehousing 10. Selection and use of such various communications modules 100in any suitable combination is thus advantageously accommodated by suchhousings 10.

Further, such housings 10 may additionally include other advantageousfeatures such as cable organization features communications moduleaccess features, as discussed herein.

As shown, a vertical axis 12, lateral axis 14, and transverse axis 16may be defined for housings 10 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The axes 12, 14, 16 may be mutually orthogonal, thusdefining a coordinate system for the housing 10.

FIG. 9 illustrates embodiments of communications modules 100. In someembodiments, a communications module 100 may be a cassette. In otherembodiments, as shown, a communications module 100 may be a filter. Twodifferent types of communications modules 100 are illustrated in FIG. 9.A communications module 100 may include a body 102 and a plurality ofadapters 104, each adapter configured to accommodate a connector (suchas of an optical fiber cable). The adapters 104 may in some embodiments,for example, all be positioned at a front of the body 102. Acommunications module 100 may further include one or more mountingfeatures.

A first communications module 100′, for example, may include a firstmounting feature 112 and a second mounting feature 114 each extendingfrom the body 102. In some embodiments, the first mounting feature 112may be spaced apart along the vertical axis 12 from the second mountingfeature 114 when the communications module 100 is oriented with respectto the housing 10. In some embodiments, as shown, the mounting features112, 114 may be male fasteners which mate with female holes as discussedherein. In other embodiments, other suitable mounting apparatus may beutilized.

A second communications module 100″ may, for example, include a thirdmounting feature 116 extending from the body 102. In some embodiments,as shown, the third mounting feature 116 may be a clip which mates witha tab as discussed herein. In other embodiments, other suitable mountingapparatus may be utilized.

The first or second communications module 100′, 100″ may further includevarious components for guiding and locating the communications module100 within the housing 100. For example, the first or secondcommunications module 100′, 100″ may include one or more rails extendingtherefrom, such as a first rail 122, a second rail 124, and/or a thirdrail 126. In some embodiments, the rails 122, 124, 126 may be componentsof a singular plate which is mounted to the body 102, while in otherembodiments, the rails 122, 124, 126 may be separate components. Therails 122, 124, 126 may engage with mating slots as discussed herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 8, a housing 10 may include anenclosure 20 which may define one or more openings 22 and an interior24. The enclosure 20 may include various outer walls which define theopenings 22 and interior 24.

For example, the enclosure 20 may in some embodiments include a top wall30 and a bottom wall 32 which are spaced apart from each other along thevertical axis 12. The enclosure 20 may in some embodiments furtherinclude a first sidewall 34 and a second sidewall 36 which are spacedapart from each other along the lateral axis 14. As illustrated in FIGS.1, 2, and 6, the enclosure 20 may in some embodiments further include arear wall 38 which is spaced apart from an opening 22 along thetransverse axis 16. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8, theenclosure 20 may include multiple openings 22, including a first frontopening 22 and a second rear opening which is spaced apart from thefirst front opening 22 along the transverse axis 16.

In other embodiments, one or more of the above-identified walls need notbe included. Further, it should be appreciated that the enclosure 20 mayhave any suitable cubic or non-cubic shape.

Enclosure 20 may further include one or more doors 26, each of whichprovides selective access through an associated opening 22 to theinterior 24. Each door 26 may be movably connected to a wall of theenclosure 20, such as to bottom wall 32 as shown. In some embodiments,door 26 is rotatable relative to such wall, such as along the lateralaxis 14. Door 26 may be movable between a first closed position (FIGS.1, 6, and 8) in which access to the interior 24 through opening 22 isimpeded and a second open position (FIG. 2) in which access to theinterior 24 through opening 22 is allowed.

In some embodiments, one or more of the walls may include cutouts 39defined therein. For example, as shown, a cutout 39 may be defined inone or both sidewalls 34, 36, such as adjacent the opening 22. Suchcutouts 39 may, for example, accommodate optical fiber cables extendinginto the enclosure when, for example, the door 26 is in a closedposition.

As further illustrated, housing 10 includes one or more trays 40, eachof which is positionable within the enclosure 20, such as in theinterior 24 thereof. The tray 40 may further be movable relative to theenclosure 20. For example, in some embodiments, the tray 40 may bemovable between a first position (FIG. 1) in which the tray 40 isentirely within the enclosure 20 (such as the interior 24 thereof) and asecond position (FIG. 2) in which at least a portion of the tray 40 isexterior to the enclosure 20. In exemplary embodiments, tray 40 ismovable along the transverse axis 16, as shown.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 illustrate embodiments wherein only a single tray 40is utilized. The tray 40 may, for example, be accessible through asingle opening 22 which is spaced from a rear wall 38, as shown.Alternatively, FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment wherein multiple (inthis case, two) trays 40 are utilized. Each tray 40 may, for example, beaccessible through a different opening 22, such as the first and secondopenings 22 as shown. In the embodiment shown, the trays 40 are movablein opposite directions relative to each other between their respectivefirst and second positions, such as along the transverse axis.

Tray 40 may, for example, include a base 42. Various other components ofthe tray 40, such as mounting features which mate with mounting featuresof communications modules 100 as discussed herein, may be positioned onthe base 42.

In some embodiments, base 42 may be a single panel. In otherembodiments, base 42 may include a first panel 44 and a second panel 46.In these embodiments, the second panel 46 may, for example, be rotatablerelative to the first panel 44. For example, the second panel 46 may berotatable relative to the first panel 44 about the lateral axis 14.Further, as discussed, in some embodiments, the tray 40 may be movablebetween a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, inthe first position, the second panel 46 (and first panel 44) may beentirely within the enclosure (such as the interior 24 thereof) and inthe second position, the second panel 46 may be at least partiallyexterior to the enclosure 20. For example, in some embodiments, in thesecond position, the second panel 46 may be entirely exterior to theenclosure 20. Further, for example, in the second position, the secondpanel 46 may rotate relative to the first panel 44 to a position that isnon-planer with the first panel 44. Such movement may advantageouslyfacilitate improved access to other components of the tray 40 and to theinterior 24 of the enclosure 20. When the tray 40 is moved back to thefirst position, the second panel 46 may rotate back to a position thatis panel with the first panel 44.

The tray 40 may further include other components which have mountingfeatures which mate with mounting features of communications modules 100as discussed herein. For example, a tray 40 may include a front rail 50.Front rail 50 may be positioned on the base 42, such as in someembodiments on the first panel 44 thereof. The front rail 50 may includea plurality of first mounts 52. Each first mount 52 may mate with afirst mounting feature 112 of a communications module 100, such as afirst communications module 100′. In exemplary embodiments, each firstmount 52 may be a hole defined in the front rail 50. Each such hole mayinteract with a male fastener as discussed. Alternatively, othersuitable mounts may be utilized. In exemplary embodiments, the firstmounts 52 are aligned in a linear array, such as along the lateral axis14.

Front rail 50 may include legs 54 and a rail body 56 which extendsbetween the legs 54. For example, legs 54 may be spaced apart along thelateral axis 14, and rail body 56 may extend along the lateral axis 14therebetween. The first mounts 52 may, for example, be provided on therail body 56.

Front rail 50 may additionally include a panel 58 which may for exampleextend from the rail body 56. For example, panel 58 may be acantilevered panel which extends from the rail body 56, such as alongthe transverse axis 16. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the panel 58may have a curvilinear cross-sectional profile. Such panel 58 mayadvantageously contact communications modules 100 inserted through thefront rail 50 to stabilize the communications modules 100 on the tray 40and in the enclosure 20 generally.

Front rail 50 may further include a plurality of slots 59 definedtherein. In some embodiments, the slots 59 are defined in the panel 58.Further, in some embodiments, the slots 59 may be aligned in a lineararray. Each slot 59 may be engage with a first rail 122 of acommunications module 100, such as a second communications module 100″,to locate and stabilize the communications module 100. Accordingly, whensuch communications module 100 is inserted in the tray 40, the firstrail 122 may be inserted into a slot 59.

Tray 40 may further include a platform 60. Platform 60 may be positionedon the base 42, such as in some embodiments on the first panel 44thereof. The platform 60 may include a plurality of second mounts 62.Each second mount 62 may mate with a second mounting feature 114 of acommunications module 100, such as a first communications module 100′.In exemplary embodiments, each second mount 62 may be a hole defined inthe platform 60. Each such hole may interact with a male fastener asdiscussed. Alternatively, other suitable mounts may be utilized. Inexemplary embodiments, the second mounts 62 are aligned in a lineararray, such as along the lateral axis 14.

Platform 60 may further include a plurality of slots 64 defined therein.In some embodiments, the slots 64 may be aligned in a linear array. Eachslot 64 may be engage with a second rail 124 of a communications module100, such as a second communications module 100″, to locate andstabilize the communications module 100. Accordingly, when suchcommunications module 100 is inserted in the tray 40, the second rail124 may be inserted into a slot 64.

Tray 40 may include a rear rail 70. Rear rail 70 may be positioned onthe base 42, such as in some embodiments on the first panel 44 thereof.The rear rail 70 may include a plurality of third mounts 72. Each thirdmount 72 may mate with a third mounting feature 116 of a communicationsmodule 100, such as a second communications module 100″. In exemplaryembodiments, each third mount 72 may be a tab extending from the rearrail 70. Each such tab may interact with a clip as discussed. Inexemplary embodiments, such tabs may be formed from tempered springsteel, although in other embodiments other suitable materials may beutilized. Alternatively, other suitable mounts may be utilized. Inexemplary embodiments, the third mounts 72 are aligned in a lineararray, such as along the lateral axis 14.

Rear rail 70 may include legs 74 and a rail body 76 which extendsbetween the legs 76. For example, legs 74 may be spaced apart along thelateral axis 14, and rail body 76 may extend along the lateral axis 14therebetween. The third mounts 72 may, for example, be provided on therail body 76.

Rear rail 70 may further include a plurality of slots 78 definedtherein. In some embodiments, the slots 78 are defined in the rail body76. Further, in some embodiments, the slots 78 may be aligned in alinear array. Each slot 78 may be engage with a third rail 126 of acommunications module 100, such as a second communications module 100″,to locate and stabilize the communications module 100. Accordingly, whensuch communications module 100 is inserted in the tray 40, the thirdrail 126 may be inserted into a slot 78.

In exemplary embodiments, the rear rail 70 may be offset along thetransverse axis 16 from the front rail 50 and the platform 60. Further,in exemplary embodiments, the front rail 50 and the platform 60 (such asfront faces thereof on which the first and second mounts 52, 62 areprovided) are aligned along the transverse axis 16.

In exemplary embodiments, each position on the tray 40 at which acommunications module 100 may be inserted and secured may include afirst mount 52, a second mount 62, and a third mount 72, and may furtherinclude one or more of a first slot 59, second slot 64, and/or thirdslot 78. Accordingly, each such position may selectively accommodate avariety of different configurations of communications modules 100, suchas first and second communications modules 100′, 100″ as discussedherein.

Housing 10 may further include additional components for routing,organizing, and securing optical fiber cables thereto. For example, aplurality of routing rings 80 may be provided. The routing rings 80 maybe provided on the tray 40, such as on the base 42 thereof. In exemplaryembodiments, the routing rings 80 may be provided on the second panel 46of the base 42. In some embodiments, the routing rings 80 may bearranged in a linear array, such as along the lateral axis 14. Opticalfiber cables may be routed through the routing rings 80 as they enterthe housing 10.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more cable tie-off brackets 82 maybe provided. The cable tie-off brackets 82 may be provided on the tray40, such as on the base 42 thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the cabletie-off brackets 82 may be provided on the second panel 46 of the base42. Optical fiber cables may be secured at the cable tie-off brackets 82as they enter the housing 10. The brackets 82 may also advantageouslyserve as strain-relief components.

In exemplary embodiments as shown, one or more of the cable tie-offbrackets 82 may be rotatable relative to the base 42 between a firststored position (see FIG. 6) and a second extending position (see FIGS.1 through 5, 7, and 8). Such rotation may, for example, occur about thetransverse axis 16. For example, in embodiments wherein the brackets 82are provided on the second panel 46, the rotation may in someembodiments occur about the transverse axis 16 when the second panel 46is planer with the first panel 44. When the second panel 46 moves to aposition that is non-planer with the first panel 44, such rotation mayoccur about another axis, such as in some cases the vertical axis 12.

In exemplary embodiments, a cable tie-off bracket 82 in the firstposition may be entirely within the interior 24 (when the tray 40 is inthe first position). Further, in exemplary embodiments, a cable tie-offbracket 82 in the second position may be at least partially exterior tothe enclosure 20. For example, a bracket 82 may extend through a cutout39 when in the second position (and when the tray 40 is in the firstposition).

To facilitate such rotation, the cable tie-off bracket 82 may berotatably connected to the base 42 (such as in some embodiments thesecond panel 46), such as via a hinge 84. The hinge 84 may be directlyconnected to the bracket 82, and may further be directly or indirectlyconnected to the base 42 (such as in some embodiments the second panel46). For example, in some embodiments, a portion 86 of the base 42 (suchas of the second panel 46) may be bent so as to be raised (such as alongthe vertical axis 12 when the tray 40 is in the first position) relativeto the remainder of the base 42 (such as the second panel 46). The hinge84 may be directly connected to this portion 86. Alternatively, aseparate bracket may be connected to the base 42 (such as to the secondpanel 46) to form such raised component, and the hinge 84 may bedirectly connected to such separate bracket.

Housing 10 may further include one or more mounting brackets 88. Themounting brackets 88 may be provided on the enclosure 20 and exterior tothe enclosure, such as on the first and second sidewall 34, 36. Mountingbrackets 84 may facilitate mounting of the housing 10 to suitableequipment racks 90, etc.

The rotatable brackets 82 may advantageously facilitate easy andefficient mounting of housings 10 in equipment racks 90, as shown forexample in FIG. 8. For example, the brackets 82 can advantageously berotated to the first position during installation, allowing increasedclearance for the housing 10 within a rack 90 during installation intothe rack 90. Installation is thus advantageously simplified. Once thehousing 10 is installed in the rack 90, the brackets 82 can be rotatedto their second extended positions for use in tying down cables.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A communications module housing defining a verticalaxis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis, the communications modulehousing comprising: an enclosure defining an opening, the enclosurecomprising a top wall and a bottom wall spaced apart along the verticalaxis, a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart along thelateral axis, and a rear wall spaced apart from the opening along thetransverse axis; a tray positioned within the enclosure and movablealong the transverse axis, the tray comprising: a base; a plurality offirst mounts positioned on the base; a plurality of second mountspositioned on the base and offset along the vertical axis from theplurality of first mounts; a plurality of third mounts positioned on thebase and offset along the transverse axis from the plurality of firstmounts and the plurality of second mounts; and a cable tie-off bracketpositioned on the base, the cable tie-off bracket rotatable relative tothe base between a first stored position and a second extended position.21. The communications module housing of claim 20, wherein the trayfurther comprises a front rail positioned on the base, the front railcomprising the plurality of first mounts.
 22. The communications modulehousing of claim 20, wherein the tray further comprises a platformpositioned on the base, the platform comprising the plurality of secondmounts.
 23. The communications module housing of claim 20, wherein thetray further comprises a rear rail positioned on the base, the rear railcomprising the plurality of third mounts.
 24. The communications modulehousing of claim 20, wherein the first and second mounts are holes. 25.The communications module housing of claim 20, wherein the third mountsare tabs.
 26. The communications module housing of claim 21, furthercomprising a plurality of slots defined in the front rail.
 27. Thecommunications module housing of claim 26, wherein the slots are definedin a cantilevered panel of the front rail.
 28. The communications modulehousing of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of slots defined inthe platform.
 29. The communications module housing of claim 23, furthercomprising a plurality of slots defined in the rear rail.
 30. Thecommunications module housing of claim 20, wherein the base comprising afirst panel and a second panel, the second panel rotatable relative tothe first panel.
 31. The communications module housing of claim 30,wherein the tray is movable between a first position wherein the secondpanel is entirely within the enclosure and a second position wherein thesecond panel is at least partially exterior to the enclosure.
 32. Thecommunications module housing of claim 30, wherein the plurality offirst mounts, the plurality of second mounts, and the plurality of thirdmounts are positioned on the first panel.
 33. The communications modulehousing of claim 30, further comprising a plurality of routing ringspositioned on the second panel.
 34. The communications module housing ofclaim 30, wherein the cable tie-off bracket is positioned on the secondpanel.